Hi guys, Am a very new chicken keeper. I rescued 3 ex bats 5 weeks ago. Sadly yesterday I lost the weakest (can't believe how upsetting it was). Today I have noticed that one of the two thats left (thelma) has a pale face. She's still racing round the garden after me, eating well, but i think she is also laying eggs with no shells. I have given them grit and oyster shell, cabbage, pears, tomatoes, cucumber, as well as their laying pellets and corn. Obviously with loosing one yesterday I am now an anxious wreck!! She has been growing back her feathers, and I know she needs extra protein (I am unsure as to how to give then the extra required). I can't see any mites on her. I don't know what else to do and I really don't want to loose her aswell. Love this forum by the way. You wouldn't believe how many times I've been on here in the last 5 weeks!!! x
Some people will feed their hens some wet cat food to provide that extra protein. Also, giving them boiled chopped egg yolks is also a good source of protein. You might need to cut down on the veggies a bit with her and then she'll eat more of the layer feed. I get some soft shelled eggs once in a while, and I know it's because they're free ranging, thus not eating enough of their layer feed, thus not getting enough calcium. Keep us posted and good luck! Sharon
It is so difficult to loose a hen. These are our pets! I give my hens supplemental feeds of scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and yogurt for protein and calcium. Make sure it's not so much as to spoil their appetite for the layer feed. It sounds like you are doing everything possible to save these hens. Best of luck!
Okay, thank you, will try the extra protein. So should I keep them in their run for longer so she eats more of her layer pellets and then let them out in the afternoon to free range? Any ideas on why her face is pale? thinking about it, would it just be because she is ex bat and hasn't turned red yet? Looking back on photos they were all pale faced when they came. I don't want to turn into a neurotic chicken owner!! Just found the face book page. Need to spend more time working less time on chicken stuff - but it's just so addictive! x
Ex Battery hens, Rescued by our local wildlife rescue centre. That's why its so upsetting to loose one, because you want to give them a better life, but some are just so weak they don't make it.
